Poppy's heart stirred at the new confusion that grew on the table, especially on James's face.
This was only the beginning. His downfall would come from the mistake of once marrying her, since she knew everything about him.
Old Mrs. Langford's head turned sharply to him. "James," she said slowly, "do you have such a mark?"
Everyone's eyes swung toward him.
James opened his mouth, but no words came out. He swallowed hard, trying to think of a lie, but Sarah's face had already gone pale.
Old Mrs. Langford's frown deepened. "Well?"
He clenched his jaw. "It—it's just an old scar, Grandma. It means nothing."
"Nothing?" The old woman tapped her cane lightly against the ground. "Then why are you shaking?"
No one dared to breathe.
Even Claudia's once confident face drained of color.
"And you—!" Sarah flinched as the Old woman's eyes came to her. "You're also a part of this?!"
"N-No... G-grandma, I-I..."
She silenced her with a raised palm.
Then she looked back at Poppy, and her sharp eyes softened. "If what you say is true… then you've suffered greatly, child. And it's such a shame that the people who caused you that much pain is a part of this household."
Turning back to James and Sarah, she said coldly, "You both owe this young woman an apology."
James's eyes widened in shock. "What?"
"Right here, right now," Old Mrs. Langford said firmly. "Apologize."
The entire table went silent.
Sarah's hand slipped from his. Isabel and Monica stared at each other in disbelief.
But Poppy lowered her eyes, hiding the small, victorious curve of her lips.
James frowned. "You want me to apologize to her? Grandma, you can't be serious!"
Old Mrs. Langford's gaze turned icy. "Do you want to kneel while at it?"
He clenched his fists under the table, with anger flashing in his eyes.
Claudia immediately jumped in. "Grandma, please don't let this girl deceive you. She's trying to turn you against us. You know how cunning people like her can be—"
"Not a word from you, Claudia!" The Old woman's sharp voice cut through the air like a whip. "Just when I thought you couldn't disappoint me any further, you prove me wrong all the time! Look at the product of your motherhood—"
"A shameless bully who almost made an innocent child commit suicide. And you're still supporting him?!" She shook her head. "If only my grandson were awake to see why I objected to this marriage from the start."
Claudia's face paled. Her lips parted, but no words came out.
Her eyes flickered to Poppy. Not once had the old woman spoken to her this way. But because of this girl...
She frowned slightly.
She had been deceived by Evelyn Highland!
This girl wasn't stupid and naive as Evelyn had told her her step-daughter was. That was the only reason she'd introduced Bella to the rest of the Langfords as a candidate for Alaric's wife, because she'd thought the girl was easy to control and she could use her for her plans.
But how did she turn everything in her favor?!
This girl was trouble!
James looked at his mother helplessly, but she avoided his gaze. His throat bobbed as he struggled to speak.
But Richard quickly stood, bowing his head deeply. "Old Mrs. Langford, please forgive my daughter. Bella would never want an apology from any member of the Langfords." He turned sharply to Poppy. "Bella! Kneel down this instant and beg for their forgiveness instead!"
"Yes, Bella, do as your father says. Don't make this worse. Apologize properly!" Evelyn supported, feeling anxious from Claudia's cold stare.
Poppy's brows furrowed.
"Kneel!" Richard barked.
But when Poppy did nothing, Grace, who had been quiet since they got here finally spoke: "Bella, you've always been stubborn and disrespectful to Father and mother, but because they're so kind, they let you off with a little discipline. How can you show your terrible manners to the Langfords as well?"
Poppy went speechless.
She knew Bella's family always turned on her, but she didn't know they were this shameless and foolish at the same time.
Aren't they fighting for the same thing? Why are they suddenly supporting the Langfords who wants her out of the marriage and making her the bad guy?!
Still, she had to play her cards right.
"I'm sorry, Father, but you know I can't kneel right now," Poppy started softly. "I just got discharged from the hospital, and the doctor said I shouldn't strain myself yet. I only knelt before to show my sincerity to the Langfords and I feel pain. If I force it, I might tear my stitches again."
Richard blinked in confusion. "What stitches?"
"It's from the accident you never asked about, Father."
Richard's face twitched. She was lying! Her wounds from the accident healed up months ago, but exposing her would reveal he lied about her studying abroad.
When did Bella become this bold?!
Old Mrs. Langford's brows furrowed.
Poppy lowered her head, pretending to sniff back tears. "But if kneeling will make everyone feel better, then I'll try."
She winced as she tried to lower herself, but seeing through her tricks, Evelyn gritted as she rushed forward and stopped her.
"No, no, Bella, don't! You're not well enough!"
Poppy paused and trembled to draw sympathy.
Old Mrs. Langford frowned deeply. "The girl is clearly unwell. Why does she have to kneel?"
Claudia scoffed loudly.
When Poppy heard, "It's fine, Old Mrs. Langford. I can manage," she said. "It's not the first time I'm told to kneel before my bullies after being discharged from the hospital. But I've always believed in taking responsibilities. There was even a time I had to kneel for hours just to prove I wasn't raised without manners."
She turned to her father and mother. "You remember that, don't you?"
Richard, Evelyn, and Grace exchanged glances.
What bullies was Bella talking about, and when has she ever been made to kneel before anyone?!
They'd gone along with her fake story because they didn't want her marriage with Alaric to end. But now... She was trying to tarnish their image. And they couldn't even refute it!
Evelyn frowned. Bella had always been naive and foolish. How could she do something like this?
Something was definitely wrong!
She forced a smile when the Old woman looked at her. "Yes... yes, she did."
Grace frowned slightly, seeing through her tricks. But when the Old woman also looked at her, "That's true," she said.
A faint smirk grew on Poppy's lips. "So if you still want me to kneel again, I will. Just… please allow me to do it when my legs can take it."
Old Mrs. Langford exhaled deeply. "That won't be necessary, child. If anyone has to kneel or apologize, it's them." Her gaze hardened as she turned to James and Sarah. "Don't make me repeat myself."
James gritted. "I-I'm sorry, Miss Bella."
Sarah's fingers dug into her palm. She was the one assaulted, but now she had to apologize to her assaulter?!
"We're truly sorry, Miss Bella. Please accept our apologies," she said grudgingly.
Poppy smiled inwardly but kept a normal face. "It's okay."
Old Mrs. Langford tapped her cane softly. "I've made a decision. For your punishment, James, you'll drive Bella around for a month as her personal driver."
James's face paled.
"And you—" She looked at Sarah. "You'll help the kitchen staffs for a month. I cannot go easy on you even if you're pregnant."
Every member of the Langfords exchanged glances, but they didn't utter a word, afraid they might get punished by the old woman if they did.
"And Bella—" Her eyes softened. "There's no need to go back home. You'll start living with your husband from today."
Poppy froze.
What?!